Essex County Council has published its Proposal for Greater Essex, setting out a bold and evidence-based vision for the future of local government in our county.
This proposal represents the most significant change to local government in Essex in over 50 years. It outlines the creation of three new, all-purpose unitary councils, covering North, Mid, and South Essex – bringing decision-making closer to residents and ensuring services are joined-up and efficient.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said:
“Our proposal is about creating a better future for the people we serve. By bringing services under three new councils, we can deliver better outcomes, simplify governance, and make the most of every pound we spend. This is about unlocking the potential of Essex and ensuring our communities have the local government they deserve.”
The proposal will be considered at Essex County Council’s Cabinet and Full Council meetings on 18 September before being submitted to Government on 26 September. The Government will then decide which proposal(s) will go forward to public consultation later this autumn.
While there are alternative proposals from other councils, what unites all of Greater Essex is the shared ambition to create a local government system that works better for residents, businesses, and communities.
Transpire Training is excited to share the Mindful Impact Initiative– a program designed to make mental health training more affordable and accessible for front-line volunteers and charity staff who support individuals and communities.
Through this initiative, Transpire Training provides:
✅ 50% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for volunteers ✅ 30% funding towards any of our Mental Health training for charity staff ✅ FREE monthly Mental Health Awareness webinars offering simple, effective ways to support mental health, build knowledge, and help break stigma
The goal of the initiative is to empower those working on the front lines with the skills and confidence to support others experiencing mental health challenges.
Mindful Impact is a dedicated initiative by Transpire Training, aimed at empowering charitable organisations and volunteers through accessible and affordable Mental Health First Aid and Awareness training. This initiative recognises the invaluable contributions of charitable organisations and volunteers and seeks to support their missions by equipping them with essential Mental Health skills.
Mind in West Essex offers arange of training workshops help you to manage your mental health and provide support to others – at work, home or in the community.
Complex Mental Health and Personality Disorders
📆 3 October, 12.30pm-3.30pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Understand complex mental health conditions and self-harm, explore stigma and learn how you can support recovery. Info and tickets
Equity and Inclusion
📆 14 October, 10am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Build an understanding of the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the workplace and wider society. Info and tickets
Learn about brain development and how this impacts behaviour and life chances. This session is ideal for people who work in helping professions. Info and tickets
The Mental Health Toolkit: The Essentials
📆 11 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Wellbeing Hub, Bush Fair, Harlow
The foundation for workplace wellbeing, introducing you to the Mental Health Continuum and the Emotional Needs & Resources approach. Info and tickets
Suicide First Aid Lite
📆 26 November, 9.30am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Gain skills to have a conversation with someone who may be thinking about suicide and signpost them to appropriate help using a first-aid approach. Info and tickets
Qualified MHFAider® (4-day course, half-day sessions)
📆 1, 3, 8 and 10 December, 9am-1pm
📍 Uttlesford Community Hub, Dunmow
Train as a Mental Health First Aider, certified for 3 years with access to ongoing benefits like resources, learning and 24/7 support. Info and tickets
You can find out more about all of our face-to-face and online workshops, as well as our self-help and e-learning courses, on the Training Academy website.
📢 Mind in West Essex are looking for corporate sponsors in Harlow, Uttlesford and Epping Forest for our Mental Elf 2025 fun run / walk on December 7th 2025.
You’ll be helping to sleigh mental health stigma and raise vital funds for our work in West Essex.
🏅 Event, route, goodie bag and medal sponsorship packages are available. If you’d like to partner with us for this day of festive family fun for a great cause, get in touch today!
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 – 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – let’s stand together to raise awareness, break the stigma, and remind everyone that help is always available.
If you or someone you know is struggling, find local support services on The Essex Map
If your group or organisation provides support around suicide prevention or mental health, please add your details to the Essex Map — or email communications@essexalliance.org.uk so more people can find the help they need.
Parents 1st’s Thurrock peer supporters invite any pregnant or new mums to join us at our regular walk and talk events.
These relaxed, gentle walks are a chance for you to meet other mums or mums-to-be from the area, and chat through any worries or concerns you may have about your pregnancy or life as a new mum. We meet at a different location in Thurrock each time, and finish each session with a hot drink at a local cafe.
Please join us in October at:
Monday 6th October – Coalhouse Fort Park, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, Tilbury RM18 8PB. Meet in the car park at 10.00am.
Friday 17th October – Belhus Park, Aveley, RM15 4PX. Meet outside Impulse Leisure at 10.00am.
Monday 20th October – Maple Park Community Centre, St. Andrews Way, Stanford-le-Hope SS17 0FL. Meet outside at 10.00am.
Each September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September—a global moment to connect, learn, and support those living with dementia.
In Essex, we’re proud to spotlight the Essex Map, a community hub where people can find dementia-friendly groups, support networks, and services across the region.
Are you part of a dementia-focused charity or community group in Essex?
Help local families find you by registering your services on the Essex Map—for free!
A brand-new community event is coming to Waltham Abbey this autumn – and it’s one for the whole family (dogs included!).
On Saturday 20 September, from 11am to 5pm, Elmtree Canine Retreat will open its three-acre site on Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, for the first-ever Mad Hatter’s Dog Day – a joyful festival celebrating dogs, families, and community spirit.
What to Expect
This fun-filled day promises something for everyone, including:
Dog Show – showcase your four-legged friend and compete for prizes.
Hat Parade – bring your most creative headwear!
Demonstrations & Children’s Activities – from kids’ crafts to bouncy castles.
Stalls & Food – shop, browse, and enjoy tasty treats.
Pre-Loved Fashion & More – unique finds in support of a great cause.
And the best part? All funds raised will support Underdog International, a charity with the mission of “children helping dogs, and dogs helping children.”
The event is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and media-friendly – with spokespeople available for interviews and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
So grab your hat, bring the family, and join us for an unforgettable day out in support of an incredible cause.
Renew Counselling offers fully funded and low-cost counselling to make mental health support accessible for children and young people in our community:
Fully funded counselling for children and young people in Basildon and Brentwood
Low-cost counselling for children and young people in Chelmsford
Fully funded specialist counselling for young people struggling with eating disorders or body image (thanks to The Prudence Trust and the Stone Family Foundation)
To find out more or make a referral, please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or call 01245 359 353.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Emergency Alerts is a UK government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, such as severe flooding, fires or extreme weather, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
On Sunday 7 September at 3pm, UK Government will be testing emergency alert system (EAS) for the second-ever nationwide test. The test causes a mobile phone or tablet to:
make a loud siren-like sound that lasts about 10 seconds, even if it’s set on silent,
It may also cause a device to vibrate or read out the alert.
A message will appear on your screens making it clear the alert is only a test.
If you are affected by domestic abuse and have a concealed mobile phone from your abuser, you may not wish the sound of the alert to draw attention to your phone. How you opt out depends on your device. Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available at [https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out]
Support for you
If domestic abuse is happening to you, it’s important to tell someone and remember you’re not alone.
If you do not feel safe or believe there is an immediate threat, call 999.
Men can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm), or visit the webchat at Men’s Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support.
LGBT+: if you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
Forced marriage and honour crimes: anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
